Beef noodle salad with mandarin nam jim( SERVES 4 )

This noodle salad is not only delicious and filling, but is a light, refreshing dinner option for a warm evening. What gives it that zesty, refreshing edge is the addition of the limes, fresh coriander, cucumber and chilli. Follow the recipe for the nam jim but make sure you taste it and make tweaks to ensure yours is perfect. It should be the right harmony of the four elements to Thai cookery - sweet, sour, salty and spicy.

Christmas entertaining

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